Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit Instructions

: June 3, 2024
: Guillow

Table of Contents

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model
Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat Specifications
Building tips
Applying decals
Colour Scheme of F6F-3 Hellcat VF-27
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model
Kit

Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat

The Grumman F6F Hellcat was an US Navy carrier-based fighter aircraft of World War II. It was designed to replace the earlier F4F Wildcat that fell short on the ability to counter the Japanese A6M Zero threat. Hellcats were the US Navy’s dominant fighter in the second half of the Pacific War.

Hellcats first debut in combat was in September of 1943. It was best known for it’s ruggedness and capability to outperform the A6M Zero and secure air superiority in the Pacific Theatre. A total of 12,275 were built in just over two years.

The Hellcats were credited with destroying a total of 5,223 enemy aircraft while in service with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm. This was more than any other Allied naval aircraft. Hellcats were phased out just after the end of the war, being replaced by the Chance Vought F4U Corsair and Grumman F8F Bearcat.
The markings included in this kit are from VF-27 flown by Lt. Richard Stambook who achieved 10 kills. The cats mouth was exclusive to VF-27 being painted on all 24 aircraft.

Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat Specifications

Length 33′ 7″
Wingspan 42′ 10″
Power Pratt & Whitney R-2800-10W rated at 2,200hp
Performance Max speed 391mph
Armament 6 .50″ M2 Browning machine guns

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Building tips

All parts will be a tight fit. If you find a part is too tight give it a bit of a sanding with 220 grit sandpaper. DO NOT FORCE PARTS. A hobby knife is suggested to cut the pieces from the part tree but most parts will break free easily. 220 grit sandpaper may be used to remove unwanted burn marks. A white glue may be used for assembly if desired. Any black substance that gets on your hands is non toxic and can be removed with soap and water.

Note: Alignment pins should have just enough friction to hold parts in place. If needed use sandpaper to remove a bit of thickness.

Tip! Lightly sanding alignment block edges will allow them to slide into place easier.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Step 1:
Fuselage: Slide alignment pins through alignment holes on part 1L and 1R. Then stack parts 2L, 2R through to 4L and 4R on to the pins.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Step 2
Landing gear and rear stabilizers: Insert two part 5’s into the rectangular holes in the fuselage. Make sure slots in part 5 face up and out. Place part 6 into the square slot in front of part 5. Attach parts 7,8 and 9 onto part 6. Insert part 10 into the hole on top of the fuselage. Insert part 11 into the short slot under the tail. Place parts 12L and 12R into the slots on the side of the tail.

Step 3
Drop tank: Insert drop tank alignment blocks into part 13. Stack parts 14 and 15 onto the alignment pins to complete drop tank.
Note: The following parts should not be glued as they need to be removed to apply decals. Front and rear wings, propeller assembly and landing gear.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Step 4
Engine cowl, propeller and wings: Insert parts 16 left and right into the curved slots on the side of the fuselage. Slide parts 17 left and right into the slots on part 5. The front slot in part 17 will slide over part 6. Slide parts 18 through to 21 onto the front of the fuselage. Insert part 24 into the hole on part 23 then slide part 22 onto the end of part 24. Insert completed unit into the slot on the front of the fuselage.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Step 5
Insert part 25 into base to form the stand then place model onto completed stand. Drop tank will have to be removed to display model on stand.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Decals should be placed into position in numerical order. You will need to remove the wings, landing gear and propeller to apply the side decal.
Take your time.

Guillow Grumman F6F-3 Hellcat RC Aircraft Wooden Semi Scale Model Kit
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Applying decals

Tools needed to apply decals Scissors
Utility knife

Make sure your hands are clean before applying decals. Avoid contact with the adhesive as this can cause the decal to loose some of its adhesion. Decals will adhere better to a smooth clean surface so we do recommend painting your model first for best results.

Cut out each decals as close to the edge as possible. Only cut out decals as needed.
Note: Paint upper part surfaces blue and under surfaces white.
For the large decals, remove about a 1/4″ of the backing and cut off with scissors.
Place the exposed section on the surface making sure that your decal is properly aligned on the part.
Slowly remove the backing making sure the decal is staying aligned on the surface.